An evening of recognition that reflects the high volunteer spirit in Sutton
On April 24, the Town of Sutton honored its volunteers at the Volunteer Recognition Evening, held at the Sutton School of Art. Once again, the event stood out for its scale and its festive, friendly, and elegant atmosphere. Members of the municipal council, accompanied by the general director, had the pleasure of presenting a certificate and a gift to each of the honorees in recognition of their volunteer commitment.
Nearly 90 people took part in this gracious event, humorously hosted by Édith Dandenault. In a spirit of gratitude and humility, the Town wished to highlight the commitment of Sutton citizens who give generously of their time and energy, thus contributing to the vitality of our close-knit community.
This year, 23 organizations highlighted the achievements of outstanding volunteers in 2025, in the categories of Youth, Recreation and Sports, Community Life and Culture. In addition, 11 volunteers from 5 municipal advisory committees were recognized by the city.
Course of the evening
After welcoming all the guests and presenting the honorees with a lovely boutonniere, the evening began with a message from Mayor Robert Benoît, who highlighted the importance of volunteers’ often unheralded contributions to the vitality and collective well-being of our municipality. Following that, each person nominated by an organization was eloquently introduced before being invited on stage to receive their official certificate and a thank-you gift.
Volunteers honoured
- Youth Category (young people under 30)
- Musique et traditions illimitĂ©es has nominated Arthur Paul, 17, who provided invaluable and effective assistance at last summer’s Festival de violon traditionnel de Sutton;
councillors (left to right) Elyse Boulanger, Marie-José Auclair and Carole Lebel, and
councillors (back) Daniel Martin and Alan Pavilanis
- Leisure and Sport Category
- Plein air Sutton/MTB: Claude Meunier
- Le Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton (PENS): Christian Bélanger
- Sutton Curling Club: Glen Mudie
- Le Groupe Sentier Village Sutton: Guy Philion
- Loisirs Sutton: Peggy Farge
(given to Pascal Vinh Nguyen )
(given to Alfred Enns)
- Community Life Category
- La Maison des jeunes de Sutton: FĂ©lix Desjardins Potvin
- Village Famille Sutton: Chantal Renaud
- Sutton Royal Canadian Legion: Anita Kolatschek
- La FADOQ Les Deux Monts: Guy Gravel
- La Corporation de développement économique de Sutton: Nathalie Doucet, absent (Heidi Vanha received the certificate in her name)
- La Paroisse Saint-André: Denis Bergeron
- Sutton Volunteer Action Centre (CAB): Marie Clark
- SuttonSchool: Lynda Graham
- Les Jardins communautaires de Sutton: Édith Vachon, absente (Christian Roy received the certificate in his name)
(given to Heidi Vanha)
(given to Christian Roy)
- Culture Category
- Bibliothèque Sutton Library: Louise ForgetDesPrés (formerly D’Arts et de rêves): Jean RoySutton School of Art: Odile SavaresseEspace Sutton: Nathalie BédardLe Musée des communications et d’histoire de Sutton: Monique VerreaultCentre d’art Arts Sutton: Diane AugerSutton Encore: Sylviane HarrisonTour des arts: Pina Maku
- Ballet-Théâtre Sutton: Sharon Kivenko
- Sutton Municipal and School Library
- Francine BĂ©langer
- France Brien
- Josée Feiter
- Gerry Hethrington
- Claude Paradis
- Quality of Life Advisory Committee
- Louis Taillefer
- Advisory Committee on Sustainable Mobility
- Bertrand Castonguay
- Marthe Lawrence
- Toponymy Committee
- Diane Lambin
- Mayor’s Tribute Award
For the fifth year in a row, the mayor also presented his “Mayor’s Tribute“, recognizing the outstanding volunteer commitment of two individuals to the community:
Luce Goerlach has been recognized for her sustained involvement in a number of local organizations and committees, namely FADOQ Les Deux Monts for her teaching of osteoporosis prevention exercises, and as a member of the CAB Sutton’s Governing Board and of the Town’s Family and Seniors Policy follow-up committee.
John Hawley was also honoured for his long-standing community involvement with the Royal Canadian Legion in Sutton, where he continues the work of his father, one of the founders. He is also an active volunteer with the Sutton Curling Club, a major gathering place for fans of the sport, and, less well known, he has long been a guitarist with the band Random Chance, whose shows raise funds for community causes.
Thanks to all our volunteers!
The Town of Sutton would like to express its sincere gratitude not only to these honorees, but also to all the volunteers involved in local organizations and municipal activities. Through their dedication and the time they devote, they actively contribute to the vitality, well-being and development of our community. Their generosity and commitment deserve to be warmly acknowledged.
Thank you to each and every one of you!
(photo credit Maxime Gousse and Ville de Sutton)